In June 2026, Hambantota International Port (HIP) achieved a record-breaking monthly throughput by processing 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs, marking the highest levels for both RoRo and container operations.
This achievement signifies a significant milestone for the port’s rapidly expanding sectors. It comes after a period of strategic operational planning and proactive customer engagement, particularly in light of uncertainties affecting shipping routes in the Middle East.
As concerns grew regarding potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, HIP took the initiative to prepare for possible supply chain interruptions. This preparation included ensuring adequate capacity to handle increased volumes and reassuring customers of a reliable service. Their timely response helped bolster customer confidence during a time when shipping lines and cargo owners were searching for more flexibility and assurance within their logistics networks.
Efforts in targeted marketing and direct engagement with customers further propelled the rise in volumes, drawing additional cargo to the port and contributing to the impressive performance in June.
“The results from June reflect not just a surge in monthly volumes but also underscore the significance of anticipating shifts and being prepared to offer alternatives to our clients,” stated Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG. “Our priority was to instill confidence in our customers that HIP had the necessary capacity, operational adaptability, and consistent service to support them through uncertain times. The record volumes achieved in both RoRo and container segments illustrate that our preparedness is fostering stronger customer trust and promoting sustainable growth in our key business areas.”
The June figures build upon HIP’s extraordinary growth in 2025, during which total cargo throughput surged by 175% to reach 8.24 million metric tonnes. Container traffic rose from 53,169 TEUs in 2024 to 428,036 TEUs in 2025, establishing the port as a significant player in container shipping alongside its established role in vehicle transshipment.
To accommodate the increasing volumes, the port has been enhancing its capacity. Earlier this year, HIP expanded its RoRo yard capacity and increased container yard space by 30% to adapt to shifting regional trade patterns and rising customer demand. Additionally, the port has allocated USD 108 million for new container handling equipment, aiming to raise its annual container terminal capacity to 2 million TEUs.
HIP’s container operations have continued to gain momentum in 2026. In April, the port celebrated its highest single-vessel container throughput when it processed 13,260 TEUs aboard the MSC Marie Leslie, surpassing two earlier records set in the same year.
Strategically located just 10 nautical miles from the primary East-West shipping route, HIP offers a diverse range of services, including RoRo, container, bulk and breakbulk cargo, marine services, and energy. The recent achievements highlight the port’s growing capability to adapt to evolving trade dynamics while scaling its core business operations.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
